History Lesson: Why Do We Carve Pumpkins?
Updated: Dec. 04, 2023
Our country's pumpkin-carving history began with a spooky tale.
America is a land of many traditions, but most of us don’t have the first idea how they started. One of our country’s most-loved pastimes is carving pumpkins in the fall. (And, of course, enjoying the crispy, crunchy spoils—pumpkin seeds!)
Every October, ghoulish gourds peer out from doorsteps across the country—but what is it about the crisp air, changing leaves and end of summer that urges us to break out the carving knives? A time to welcome the coming winter, October is full of superstition as well as celebration. Although a jack o’ lantern adorning every doorway is the norm, most people don’t know why: We’ll share the secret of the season’s most ubiquitous decoration.
Why Do We Carve Pumpkins?
Thought the Americans were the first to carve the orange fruit into freaky figures? Think again. Like most American folklore, this spooky ritual comes from our European ancestors. We’re a country of immigrants, so most of our traditions originate from outside the U.S.—and jack o’ lanterns are no different. The practice dates back to a centuries-old Irish myth about a man named “Stingy Jack.” Don’t know how to get started? Here are our tips on how to carve a pumpkin.
If you want to try something different, learn how to carve a pineapple for Halloween.
The Twisted Tale of Stingy Jack
According to the legend, Jack was a devious fellow who outsmarted the devil time and time again. As told by history.com, Jack, the town drunk with a clever side, met the devil one fateful night. The duo shared a drink and, too cheap to pay for his booze, Jack convinced Satan to morph into a coin that he could use to pay for their beverages. As soon as he did, Jack put the coin in his pocket next to a silver cross. The devil was unable to change back into his original form, and Jack held him that way until Satan agreed not to take his soul. Sneaky!
Next, the shifty swindler convinced the devil to climb up a tree to steal a piece of fruit. He quickly carved the sign of the cross into the tree bark. Again, the devil couldn’t come down until he agreed not to bother Jack for another 10 years.
Shortly after his meeting with the devil, Jack died. As legend goes, God would not accept Jack into heaven and sent him down to visit the devil in hell. But the devil kept his promise. He wouldn’t let Jack into hell, either, and imprisoned him to an even darker fate. The devil sent Jack into the dark night to roam the world for eternity, with only a coal to light his way. Jack lit the coal, put it in a hollowed-out turnip and has been drifting through the world, scaring children ever since.
Townsfolk began to refer to this figure as “Jack of the lantern,” and shortly thereafter “Jack o’ lantern.” People began to carve their own lanterns out of turnips, beets, potatoes and eventually pumpkins in hopes of warding away any ghostly spirits.
The Tradition Today
Over time, the tradition reached American shores by way of mouth, and immigrants from various countries took their own approach to the ancient tradition. A chiefly American fruit, the pumpkin became our own adaptation of this European tradition, and it’s now a symbol of Halloween. As years went by, the spooky history behind this family tradition has been lost. So now carving pumpkins is synonymous with family and fun instead of spooky spirits.
This October, when you reach for a warm glass of cider and a carving knife, remember the spirit of Stingy Jack, and spook your friends and family with this ghostly tale!
Don’t know how long do pumpkins last or how to preserve pumpkins? Here’s everything you need to know about pumpkin picking, care and storage for this classic fall decor.
1950
"After two years of staying home on Halloween because he was sick, all my little brother, Joey, wanted was to go trick-or-treating." —Joesephine Mele. Stay cozy with these Halloween soup recipes.
1951
Fourth graders at Newburgh Elementary School rose to the occasion on Halloween when they competed with other classes for best costumes.
1952
Who said grown-ups couldn't have a little Halloween fun? Though the party may have only been a few hours, we're sure that these memories have lasted a lifetime! Travel back in time with these 55 recipes from the '50s.
1953
Late October in the '50s meant sometimes having to bundle up on Halloween night. This fur-lined costume was fit for a king!
1954
"We lived on 42nd street in Milwaukee. My mother must have had some old sheets to spare, as she made me and my older brother, Ken, ghost costumes for Halloween one year." —Patricia Kasbohm Schley No one will say "boo" to our Ghostly Custard recipe.
1955
"My brother, Bob, sure was a cutie. This was in 1955 and Davy Crockett, a five-part serial starring Fess Parker, was airing on ABC as a part of the Disneyland series." —Genevieve Catina
1956
When it comes to Halloween costumes, finding one that is unique can be tough. This group of youngsters got creative by dressing up as baton twirlers, farmers, cowboys and more.
1957
Back in the '50s, many little buckaroos dreamed of being just like Roy Rogers, the "King of Cowboys." Become a modern-day cowboy with these Wild West-inspired recipes.
1958
"This is a Halloween picture of Our Lady of Lourdes 8th grade all-boys class of 1958. I got my nerve up and asked the nun if I could have this picture." —Bruce Bray
1959
"Halloween proved to be a great time for my sister, Kathy, and me to jump on the cowboy chuck wagon. Raised on an electronic diet of TV Westerns (thanks to 2 older brothers) we happily wore cowgirl costumes." —Debra Steilen
1960
"In 1960, at age 8, my brother was a Roman centurion. We made the kilt and cape from an old red tablecloth and the helmet from gold-pained papier-mache. The dagger was real, but my father would let him hold it only while we took the photos" —Heather Anderson1961
"While kids form a line, my daughter and her grade school classmate take a bite at apples swinging from the ceiling at a Halloween party in our rec room." —Michael Lacivita Plain apples not your thing? Take it up a notch by making these gourmet caramel apples.
1962
"A t-shirt, a couple of dish towels, miscellaneous bits of jewelry, and some creative bending of metal rods created this look." —Heather Anderson
1963
"When your dad is a service technician for IBM, it stands to reason that all those electronics could be used to make a blinking costume for Halloween." —Peggy Oels Give your holiday beverage a scientific spin by serving up this Mad Scientist Punch recipe.
1964
"Here's a photo of my younger siblings Peter and Laura tugging at Laura's yarn braids." —Sally Olson
1965
"It was so cold and rainy the Halloween of 1965 that we had to wear coats." —Karen Withers Keep your trick-or-treaters warm by packing a Thermos of our stovetop hot chocolate recipe.
1966
Premiering in the summer of 1966, ABC-TV's Dark Shadows served up a daily dose of vampire drama. It was part soap opera, part horror and altogether freaky, These vampire-themed cookies would fit right in.
1967
Though Spandex-clad Bruce Wayne had only made his TV appearance as Batman the year before, his superhero Halloween costume became one of the best-sellers in 19767—along with other popular comic book heroes like Superman and the Green Lantern.
1968
"My little brother and sister, Robbie and Aimee, dressed as Batman and a nurse for Halloween." —Sarah Mason
1969
"Here's a picture of my Gran trying the family's clown hat under her great-granddaughter Kristine's chin." —Jim Mattison
1970
"This is a photo of my siblings and I surprising our dad by trick-or-treating at our own home. He treated his four little monsters to fresh apples on Halloween."—Nina McLean Find out the fascinating history behind trick-or-treating.
1971
"Being a single mom and raising my daughter, Erin, on a very tight budget, I needed to be creative with her Halloween costumes. Our town had a children's Halloween party, and almost every year, Erin would win the prize for the most original costume." —Lisa O'Brien. Prepare these Halloween cookies for your party.
1972
"My brothers Garth, Glenn and Jerry Jr. dressed for Halloween" —Sue Jernigan Treat your ghosts to something extra-sweet this year with some of these Halloween cookie recipes.
1973
The '70s were all about flower power, just like this adorable homemade costume.
1974
After giving out apples and bags of candy, First Lady Betty Ford placed a quarter into each child's UNICEF collection box on the White House lawn. See the most-famous FLOTUS's favorite foods.
1975
Let's do the Time Warp! The Rocky Horror Picture Show, starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick, was released in 1975.
1976
Few things go together as well as pumpkins and Halloween. Don't believe us? Just check out these pumpkin recipes that are perfect for Halloween night.
1977
In 1977, the world was introduced to Luke, Leia, Han and the rest of the galactic universe with the premiere of Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope. Don't want to limit your Star Wars love to just Halloween? You can fill your kitchen with these Star Wars-inspired gadgets that are sure to awaken the (cooking) Force in you.
1978
"My mom was a talented seamstress who sewed all the clothes for me, my sisters and her granddaughters. In 1978 she made Halloween this cute costume for my sister Debbie." —Carolyn Heep
1979
A year after Halloween first premiered, the mask of its infamous villain, Michael Myers, was a go-to costume choice. If spending a cozy night in watching scary movies is your favorite way to spend Halloween, check out these recipes that are inspired by spooky films like Misery, The Ring, Children of the Corn and more.
1980
Not all Halloween costumes have to be scary! Dress as a busy bee, friendly ghost or a back cat for a costume that's more sweet than spooky.
1981
"This is my daughter, Kimberly, as a clown; and my daughter, Kristina, as a witch, in 1981." —Darlene Brenden Have something spooky to snack on while trick-or-treating this year by making one of these haunted recipes.
1982
Be as proud of your Jack-O-Lantern this year as these kiddos were with some expert tips for carving the best pumpkin ever.
1983
Sometimes, it's just easier for mom to dress the kids up in the same Halloween costume. Since mom always knows best, here are some comfort food recipes just like she used to make.
1984
Are you afraid of ghosts? The supernatural comedy starring Sigourney Weaver, Dan Aykroyd, Rick Moranis, Bill Murray and Harold Ramis premiered in the summer of '84. Throw your very own haunted bash with help from these ghost-themed recipes.
1985
Stick together for safety, kids! These adorable "dolls" held hands and posed for a picture before continuing on their mission for Halloween candy. Try these Halloween candy recipes at home.
1986
Look out, here comes Spiderman! Creepy crawlers, like spiders, are a staple of Halloween lore.
1987
"I made this pumpkin costume for my daughter. Looking back, I should have stuffed it up a bit to fill her out, but she still looked great." —Darlene Brenden
1988
Double, double toil and trouble with your best pals this Halloween by throwing a 'Besties and Broomsticks' party. Check out how the party comes together, here.
1989
Classic costumes like a clown never go out of style. If you can't get enough of these circus entertainers around Halloween, consider making a dozen of these adorable clown cupcakes.
1990
Sometimes Halloween tricks aren't so sweet. Turn your little monster's frown upside-down with these adorable Halloween treats.
1991
"This is my daughter, Kristina, in 1991. The grade school she attended was called Deer Creek, so I decorated her sash with 'Miss Deer Creek'." —Darlene Brenden
1992
Who doesn't love a good monster mash? Recreate Frankenstein's monster, a mummy, werewolf and more with these monstrous Halloween recipes.
1993
Some Halloween costumes, like this one from the Mattison family, are passed down through the generations. For more family classics, check out these heirloom recipes.
1994
Don't get grumpy while carving your Jack-O-Lantern this year! Here are some awesome, no-carve pumpkin ideas that come together in a snap.
1995
"This is my sister, Christina, with all of the nieces and nephews in the mid-'90s." —Maureen Stanko
1996
Farmer Wayne Woodard rallies up 100-pound pumpkins to sell at a roadside stand in New Milford, Connecticut. These 66 pumpkin recipes are BIG on taste and perfect for Halloween.
1997
Nowadays, it's hard to imagine a Halloween without a dozen Harry Potters or Hermione Grangers running around the neighborhood. But in 1997, J.K. Rowling's popular children's series had just entered the scene—and sure enough, the three-headed dog costumes were soon to follow. Get Harry Potter-inspired recipes.
1998
Apples to apples, Halloween is the spookiest season of the year! If you're looking for something to do with your apple haul, take a look at our favorite fall apple recipes.
1999
Other than Halloween, when can you see witches hanging out with cowboys? Turn your kitchen into a bona fide homestead with this cowboy cookie recipe.
2000
It's tractor time! Get inspiration from the world around you, like this boy's homemade costume in 2000.Originally Published: September 27, 2018
